How Do You Monitor Generator Output?

   / How Do You Monitor Generator Output? #1  

bdhsfz6

Elite Member
Joined
Apr 11, 2015
Messages
3,088
Location
Northeastern Pennsylvania
Tractor
Kubota MX5800 HST & L6060 HSTC Formerly L6060 HST B7100 HST, L2550, L3010 HST, L3430 HST
During a power outage, I'm always concerned about overloading the generator. The one I have is 11KW and it will handle most of what I need but there are times when I'd like to know the actual amp draw I'm using.

There are several products on the market that let you do this with a smartphone. These for example, seem like a good way to do it:

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Has anyone tried these products, and if so, how well do they work?

I also considered installing a simple ammeter on the generator and monitoring it with a security camera. That way, I could check the load via my home security camera system.

I suppose the best approach is to get a generator big enough to handle every appliance I own, but that isn't an option for me.

Do you monitor your generator output, and if so, how do you do it?
 
   / How Do You Monitor Generator Output? #3  
On my 10kw diesel generator, I installed 3 of those cheap volt/amp/HZ meters. One per phase. Might not be exactly what you need though. They also flicker a little bit when recording a video of those, but still perfectly readable.


IMG_20211201_164158.jpg
 
   / How Do You Monitor Generator Output? #4  
Emporia Vue 3 Home energy monitor. Just get the "Monitor Only" version for $99. Clamps on the mains and monitors real time energy usage. Smartphone app.

 
   / How Do You Monitor Generator Output? #5  
You’ll want two amp meters, one for each hot leg, if you want to know actual amps, assuming you have some 120v loads.
I have a pretty good feel of the voltage and frequency drop vs amp load for my portable 5k generator.
I just occasionally check an outlet with my DVM when I hear it working hard. Most $25 multimeters will read Hz on AC as well as the voltage. I know from actual clamp on current measurements previously made, about what the load must be.
You’re probably looking for something more exact though
 
   / How Do You Monitor Generator Output?
  • Thread Starter
#6  
Emporia Vue 3 Home energy monitor. Just get the "Monitor Only" version for $99. Clamps on the mains and monitors real time energy usage. Smartphone app.

I looked at this product on Amazon but was unable to find it's operable temp range. I need to put it in an unheated barn.

The link you provided gave me that info. Thanks!
 
   / How Do You Monitor Generator Output? #7  
i use Genmon on my generac whole house.

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and for the shop, i use a set of chepo meters on the manual start switch.

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   / How Do You Monitor Generator Output? #8  
I built my own panel with amps, Hz, volts for both A phase and B phase, street and gen power. It's nice, because I know when street power comes back on.
 
   / How Do You Monitor Generator Output? #9  
I looked at this product on Amazon but was unable to find it's operable temp range. I need to put it in an unheated barn.

The link you provided gave me that info. Thanks!
You will need a good WIFI connection in the barn.
 
   / How Do You Monitor Generator Output?
  • Thread Starter
#10  
You will need a good WIFI connection in the barn.
I added a WiFi extender for other devices I use in the barn. It provides a good strong signal.
 

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